Anthem of the Seas Review
Rating by category
Additional details
We were on the Christmas Cruise on the Anthem from December 23rd to January 2nd, 2017. First of all, the ship is too big and not enough staff to handle the number of passengers on board. I have heard thru the "grape vine" that they had booked more passengers than normal for this cruise and had laid off some staff in order to maintain the ship's maximum capacity in line.
With this in mind, the "my time" dining rooms were crowded and stuffed with as many tables as they could fit in. The waiters were harried and in a dither and couldn't handle their designated tables in an efficient manner. Yes, they were as pleasant as they could be under those circumstances, but the dining rooms were understaffed and we felt rushed. At one point when we finished our dinners, the waiter never approached us again for desert or coffee, so we got up and left. The food was not up to par as per RCCL standards that we have experienced in the past: our food was cold when served, not well prepared and sub-par. However, we found the food and service in the Windjammer was much, much better - believe it or not!
The deck chairs at poolside were "saved" with towels and personal items (but unoccupied) every day by 7:30 a.m. and it was impossible to get any seating there at all until at least 4:00 p.m. No one did anything about that amid various complaints from the cruisers.
Cabin Review
Deluxe Ocean View Stateroom with Balcony
Cabin was small but clean. Balcony was small also.
Port Reviews
St. Maarten
Beautiful beaches.
San Juan
Nice walking thru Old Town.
St. Thomas
Nice walk thru town.
Labadee
Beautiful island and beaches. Good swimming and beach activities.
Bayonne (Cape Liberty)
Close to the airport and NY City.
On a more positive note: The embarkation process was a breeze and the passenger traffic was handled in an orderly manner. The ship was clean - almost sterile as is the "Royal" style. Being a Christmas/Holiday Cruise, there were an abundance of families on the ship and many activities and functions were available for the children and teenagers aboard. Our cabin was immaculate and our room attendant was pleasant and most accommodating. RCCL did provide: several smoking sections throughout the ship, they do allow therapy dogs on board, religious services were provided for Catholic Mass, Non-denominational Christians and also Jewish services celebrating Hanukkah.
We came into Bayonne the day before and stayed at the Best Western Plus/Airport in Bayonne which is very convenient to the port. This was our second stay at this hotel. Although it's not "the Ritz", it is more than adequate. The rooms are large, modern, very clean and the staff is great. They have shuttle service to/from the airport and cruise port with their "cruise package." Also, they offer parking at $8.00/day and a free breakfast which is quite substantial. They have a bar and a limited menu for dinner and the food is good. This hotel is located in an industrial area - but don't be fooled. It's comfortable and quiet.